IEA Announces Presidential Debates Ahead of 2024 Ghana Elections, but NDC Candidate to Skip

• Sep 13, 2024

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has announced the dates for its first and second presidential debates ahead of the 2024 Ghana elections, set to take place on October 22 and November 19, respectively.

In addition to the presidential debates, IEA has also scheduled a Vice Presidential Debate on November 5, 2024, as well as five Evening Encounters, with the first one happening on September 18 and the last one on October 15.

The announcement of these debate events is part of IEA's efforts to provide a platform for candidates to engage with the public and share their visions for the country before the December 7 polls.

However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has already stated that its flagbearer will not be participating in the IEA-organized debates. The party has raised concerns about the credibility of the organizers, casting doubt on the fairness and impartiality of the events.

This decision by the NDC is a significant development, as the presidential debates are often seen as crucial opportunities for candidates to showcase their policies and engage with the electorate. The absence of the NDC's flagbearer could potentially impact the scope and dynamics of the discussions, as well as the overall public perception of the debates.

The IEA, on the other hand, has long been regarded as a respected and independent think tank in Ghana, known for its efforts to promote democratic governance and policy discourse. The organization's decision to host the presidential and vice-presidential debates is seen by many as an important step in ensuring a transparent and inclusive electoral process.

As the 2024 elections draw closer, the debate around the credibility of the organizers and the participation of all major candidates will likely continue to be a topic of intense discussion and scrutiny. The outcome of these debates, and the public's perception of them, could have a significant impact on the final election results and the overall political landscape in Ghana.

Despite the NDC's decision to boycott the IEA-organized debates, it is hoped that the remaining candidates will seize the opportunity to engage with the electorate and share their visions for the country's future. The success of these debates will depend on the willingness of all stakeholders to participate in a fair and transparent manner, ultimately serving the best interests of the Ghanaian people.